Thursday, March 16 2006 15:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Supply of nuclear equipment by Russia for construction of Kudankulam plant besides uranium to Tarapur reactor are expected to be high on agenda of the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Fradkov here tomorrow(Mar 17,2006).

Taking place in the backdrop of Russia's decision to provide uranium to Tarapur plant, the two-day visit by Fradkov beginning today is also likely to see the two countries sign a deal with regard to supply of the fuel.

The Kudankulam Atomic Power plant is being built in Tamil Nadu with Russian help. As per an agreement of 2001, Russia,besides designing the plant, had committed to supply 90 per cent of the equipment and materials.

The units I and II of the plant are scheduled to be operational by 2007 and 2008 respectively.

India feels that the construction may not be completed by the targeted date and wants Russia to expedite supply of material, official sources said here, adding this issue will be raised during Fradkov's meeting with Singh.

Once completed, the two reactors are expected to generate 2,000 MW of power.

The two sides are also expected to sign a deal for supply of 60 metric tonnes of urgently-needed uranium for Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS).

Though the US has expressed reservations to Russian move to supply uranium to Tarapur, India has asserted that it does not violate any international law, including the NSG guidelines.

New Delhi has said it had to seek "Urgent and limited supplies of uranium fuel to enable Tarapur reactor to function in safe and reliable conditions."

India had made a request to the US for supply of fuel for Tarapur plant but it was 'not possible' under the current American laws.

During Fradkov's visit, described as 'significant' by India, several inter-agency agreements covering the areas of energy, space, banking and cooperation between chambers of commerce will be signed.

In the area of space, the two countries will sign pacts on jointly launching and developing satellites for the space-based global navigation system.

Fradkov will be accompanied by his wife Elina and senior officials on his visit here.

The issues to be discussed by Singh and Fradkov include energy, civil nuclear cooperation, power generation, defence, exploitation of space and knowledge-based areas.

Fradkov will call on President A P J Abdul Kalam and meet Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Commerce Minister Kamal Nath. He will also address Indian business leaders.

"The visit is significant in view of the strategic partnership between the two countries," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.